Monday, June 18, 2012

WalMart Mom of the Year Award #MOTY

Do your kids think you are a Mom of the Year? Some days I might be in the running, but many other days I'm sure that's the furthest thing from their minds. "Clean your room!" "Finish your dinner." "Get dressed right now or you're going to school in your pyjamas!" There are a lot of unpopular rules and requirements of living in a family, and we as moms are often the enforcers. But these rules (even the inhumane rule about eating your veggies) are all about raising healthy, happy, well-adjusted members of society. It's a big job, but someone has to do it.

And some do it so well, while doing so much more for their community, their friends, and their broader family, that they really deserve a special recognition for truly going "above and beyond." I am in awe of friends of mine who give back so selflessly, devoting themselves both to their families and to causes dear to their hearts. Whether it be fundraising for children's charities, tutoring at risk youth, caring for elderly and infirm relatives, or serving on volunteer boards, I am proud to know these women and astounded by their energy and devotion.

Walmart Canada has a new campaign that will help us give this recognition to the special moms in our lives. The Mom of the Year Award will be an annual program, designed to help celebrate and recognize the huge contribution moms make as role models and integral members of the family and community. Nominations for the inaugural award will be accepted until July 8, 2012, at www.momoftheyear.ca. You might want to nominate your own mom, your mother-in-law, a dear friend, or a colleague. This is a celebration of all moms!

Nominee submissions will be judged by a panel, based on the following criteria:

The degree to which Entrant has had a positive impact on others in their life, their family’s life, their community or the environment (33.3%).

The degree to which the Entrant’s positive impact has helped Entrant or others to live better (33.3%).

The degree to which Entrant’s positive impact was “extraordinary” (33.3%).

Eight finalists will be selected to move forward to the finals. The Mom of the Year will receive $10,000 for her, plus a $100,000 donation to a cause or charity of her choice. The other finalists will each receive $10,000, plus a $10,000 donation to a cause or charity of their choice. All finalists will also receive a day of pampering and a photo shoot in Toronto in September.

I am sure you know a Mom or three deserving of the Mom of the Year award. If you head on over to the Mom of the Year nomination site you can learn more about the awards and submit your nominations. Even if you are not nominating someone, I encourage you to head over and have a look at some of the over 12,000 astounding women who have been nominated. You will be inspired!

Disclosure: I’m part of the Walmart program by Mom Central. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own. Mom of the Year Award: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY Internet access and valid email account required. Nominations open May 10, 2012 to July 8, 2012 for legal residents of Canada over the age of majority. Entrants cannot nominate themselves. One (1) grand prize available to be won consisting of $10,000 cash, a $100,000 donation by Wal-mart Canada Corp. to charity/cause and a trip to Toronto (ARV $22,000). Seven (7) runner-up prizes available to be won consisting of $10,000 cash, a $10,000 donation to charity/cause and a trip to Toronto (ARV $22,000). Charity/cause subject to verification and final approval by Wal-mart Canada Corp., at its sole discretion. Odds of winning depend on how the judging panel evaluates each entry according to the criteria. For Official Contest Rules and to nominate an entrant, visit www.momoftheyear.ca.